Ridgeview girls soccer runs over Crook County

The Ravens are winners of nine in a row.

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ORIG 10/23/18
Ridgeview player Grace Sorensen, left, battles Crook County player Shelby Squire for control of the ball, during a Crook County at Ridgeview girls soccer game at Ridgeview High School in Redmond on October 23, 2018. (Andy Tullis/Bulletin photo) - Bulletin

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ORIG 10/23/18
Ridgeview player Grace Sorensen, left, battles Crook County player Shelby Squire for control of the ball, during a Crook County at Ridgeview girls soccer game at Ridgeview High School in Redmond on October 23, 2018. (Andy Tullis/Bulletin photo)7944466

Tuesday’s match between Ridgeview and Crook County girls soccer was a microcosm of the two teams’ seasons. On a chilly night at Ridgeview High School, the Ravens (9-0 Intermountain Conference, 10-2-1 overall) dominated the Cowgirls (0-8-1, 2-11-1) in an 8-0 victory.

Averi Hartford got the scoring started in the 16th minute, and after that the floodgates opened. Grace Sorensen scored in the 18th and 28th minute, and Sadie Benz scooted one past the goalkeeper in the 25th minute. At the half, the Ravens held a comfortable 4-0 lead.

Crook County had a burst of life in the early moments of the second half, however, getting a few solid chances near the net that were either saved or just wide. For the majority of the match, though, the Cowgirls couldn’t get past midfield against a stifling Ridgeview defense.

Sorensen notched a hat-trick in the 43rd minute, her first career three-goal game. The sophomore transfer from Mountain View said the Ravens have room to improve despite Tuesday’s dominance.

“I think we can play better, and we’re going to work on playing cleaner and playing on our level,” Sorensen said. “Us bonding and seeing each other every day has really helped us get better. We have some players that are inexperienced in soccer, but they’re doing really well.”

Goals from Benz, Abby Martin and Kellyn Anderson finished things off for Ridgeview in what ended up being its ninth consecutive win. It was the Ravens’ second 8-0 win over Crook County this season.

Ridgeview’s chemistry and willingness to communicate were on display Tuesday night, areas of strength for the Ravens, according to coach Kyle Chown.

“They motivate each other well,” Chown said. “They get each other going and hold each other accountable. It’s a fun group to work with.”

The Ravens have secured the IMC title and are currently ranked No. 8 in the OSAA 5A rankings. They are scheduled to play a home match on Oct. 31 to open the postseason.

Chown said Ridgeview is working on its mental game as the playoffs loom.

“We need to begin preparing for the postseason, and the last four games we’ve been treating it like the postseason,” Chown said. “The confidence is there, the competitive drive is there, it’s all intensity and all upstairs for them going forward.”